Interview:
Mana The Polynesian Warrior: 3rd August 2003
We
continue to explore the often misunderstood world
of pro wrestling.
Media
Man Australia looks into the career of a bright young
star, Mana The Polynesian Warrior.
What's your background?
I
am from New Zealand ( Maori ) I lived in Matamata,
NZ and lived the last eight years in Perth WA, before
moving here to Allentown, PA in America.
How
did you break into the business?
I always loved the Samoan Swat Team/ Headshrinkers
when I was younger especially Samu. In 2000 I found
the Wild Samoan Training Centre on my sister-in-laws
computer. If I was going to shift around the other
side at least I would have people around me similar
to my culture etc. I still wasn't sure if I was going
but in mid 2000 that Superstars
of Wrestling show with Dennis
Rodman came to Perth (No Show from Rodman ) and
talked to Sionne Valahai ( The Barbarian ) who is
Tongan. He pushed Afa's school and that was it, I
was going.
What
do you consider some of the highlights of your career?
Wrestling
with my partner, now Headshrinker Samu, meeting the
Polynesian Greats in wrestling such as Afa
The Wild Samoan, Superfly
Jimmy Snuka, Samu, Rakishi, Three Minute Warning,
Barbarian, Haku. Wrestling other guys I watched when
I was younger like King Kong Bundy, Big Bossman, Kane,
Undertaker,
Terry
Funk and Jerry
Lawler. All Highlights of any wrestling fans.
What
sports did you participate in at school?
Rugby
(got as high as Waikato rep up to U/21s and made WA
Seniors ) Athletics ( mainly things like Shot Put,
Discus and Hammer Throw ), Basketball and Cricket.
What's
your best match?
Actually
I liked I did this year it was SATs ( NWATNA's
Joel and Jose Maximo ) against myself and Samu in
Major League Wrestling.
How
do you describe your wrestling style?
Headshrinker
style with a Maori style added to it ( I do the Haka
and have a Half face Moko to the ring ).
What's
the worse injury of your career?
7)
Cracked sternum from a moonsault by a 370lbs man Hurt
like hell.
What's
a funny story from the ring wars?
Nothing
really. There was this one wrestler who had a gimmick
of being a pretty boy and I didn't know but he stuffed
socks down his tights to give the impression......
you get the idea. Anyway he wrestled and after a suplex
he didn't look well endowed but suffering from severe
hemorrhoids.
What's
your motto?
"Fear
Has No Power Unless You Empower It " Fear is
the biggest adversary in life but only if you allow
it to consume you don't be afraid to go for your dreams.
What's
your goal?
I
don't want allot out of wrestling but I would love
to be the first Maori ever to be in the WWE but not
only for myself but for my people and for my family
but if I don't I will have given it my best trying.
What
was the largest and smallest crowd you have performed
to?
Largest
was about 8000 people smallest was the worst we traveled
6 hours to Pittsburgh for about 20 people, but same
old rule, the smaller the crowd the harder you work
to give that small crowd the best show you possibly
can.
Who
are your mentors?
Afa
The Wild Samoan, Headshrinker Samu and Moondog Molsonn.
What
can you tell us about Australia?
I
lived in Perth for eight years and visited family
in Brisbane so I know Australia as an awesome life.
All this Homey crap they copy from the states is stupid
Australia and New Zealand are awesome places to be
raised as a child. No wrestling though.
What
other important information should we know about you?
That
I am really proud of my culture and my people, I am
a good person that loves every single member of my
family and that my Mother raised me better than I
deserved . I am approachable and easy going and love
to meet people. That's just me, True Blue.
...end.
Editors
note: Another great wrestler with the right attitude.
Something tells me will will be hearing a great deal
more from Mana The Polynesian Warrior.
Links:
Mana
The Polynesian Warrior official website
The
Wild Samoan official website
Top
Rope Productions - World Xtreme Wrestling
Major
League Wrestling
South
Pacific Wrestling: Greg Tingle's website
New
Zealand Wrestling: Greg Tingle's website
Indy
Wrestling: Greg Tingle's website
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